YearToAvoid

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 32 fuel system complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350, 14% of its 223 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. A related recall (12V557000) covers fuel filter replacement, though most owner reports describe fuel odor rather than the filter issue.

Fuel System complaints
32
14% of 223
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
60,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a strong gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle shortly after filling the tank.
  • Some report the smell is strongest near the rear passenger side, pointing to a leak at the top of the fuel tank.
  • Dealers or independent mechanics diagnosed some cases as a defective fuel sending unit/pump top cover or a fuel tank leak.
  • Several owners say the odor persisted across multiple fill-ups and was not caused by spilled fuel during refueling.
  • One owner noted a similar fuel tank leak issue on a related Mercedes-Benz model (2010 C300) in the same household.
  • A few owners report Mercedes-Benz declined to extend warranty coverage or found no defect during diagnosis attempts.

When 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 20, 2015, latest Jul 24, 2025.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2015Aug 2017Jul 2018Feb 2020Apr 2021Aug 2022Jul 2023Jul 2025
32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2015 to Jul 2025; peak Aug 2017 (2).

Fuel System recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350

  1. NHTSA 12V557000Dec 3, 2012Fuel System5,800 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

    Risk: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

    Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Fuel System complaints by E350 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20055 (33%)
  2. 2006219 (55%)
  3. 2007253 (72%)
  4. 200886 (50%)
  5. 200933 (52%)
  6. 201020 (11%)
  7. 201132 (14%)
  8. 201235 (16%)
  9. 201311 (7%)
  10. 201436 (13%)
  11. 20152 (6%)
  12. 20164 (8%)
  13. 20172 (29%)
  14. 20202 (25%)
  15. 20213 (23%)
  16. 20221 (13%)
  17. 20230 (0%)
  18. 20240 (0%)
  19. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 have?
NHTSA lists 32 fuel system complaints for the 2011 E350, which is 14% of the 223 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350?
Yes, recall 12V557000 covers the fuel system on 2011-2012 model year E350 and other Mercedes-Benz models, with dealers replacing the fuel filter free of charge.
What mileage do fuel system problems typically show up at on the 2011 E350?
The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on this model year is 60,000 miles.
What is the most common fuel system complaint for the 2011 E350?
Most owner complaints describe a strong gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle after refueling, often traced to a fuel tank or sending unit leak.
Did the fuel system issues cause crashes or fires in the 2011 E350?
NHTSA data shows zero crashes and zero fires associated with these fuel system complaints.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.